USING REFERENDUM DATA TO CHARACTERIZE PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR PURCHASING DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TO FARMLAND

An econometric model that describes public support for farmland preser vation programs as a function of local land use patterns and socioecon omic data is developed. Two versions of the model are estimated using data from referenda conducted in Pennsylvania and Rhode Island during 1982 through 1990. Results suggest that support for referenda that pur chase development rights is stronger in counties and towns with both r apidly increasing population and where land and house values have incr eased at higher rates. Environmental factors such as the prevalence of resource-sensitive lands are also significant in describing the publi c's motivation to preserve farmland.